Frozen river

January 2, 2013February 29, 2016 Hokkaido Explorer 8556 Views

This is the Kotoni-Hassamu River from the Hassamu Bridge in Nishi-ku. A small stream remains at the center but it’s

Sapporo Travel: Mt. Moiwa Ropeway

November 28, 2012February 29, 2016 Hokkaido Explorer 12810 Views

The gondola leading to the top of Sapporo’s Mt. Moiwa is sometimes thought of as an extension of the city’s

Brew News Food and Drink

Brew News: Yona Yona Ale

November 17, 2012January 27, 2013 Hokkaido Explorer 9154 Views

I know many people in Japan who have no issue with drinking a light lager every time they crack open

TOURS and OUTDOORS

Travel Japan: A Nakasendo Hike

November 13, 2012February 29, 2016 Hokkaido Explorer 8908 Views

[dropcap type=”circle” color=”#COLOR_CODE” background=”#COLOR_CODE”]A[/dropcap]bout 20 minutes in to the hike from Magome Pass to Tsumago, along the old Nakasendo route

Food and Drink Restaurants

Crab is King

November 8, 2012February 29, 2016 Hokkaido Explorer 10237 Views

When you the see forklifts carrying boxes of fresh produce or seafood waiting at stoplights along with the cars, you’ll

TOURS and OUTDOORS Travel

Low cost to Kansai

November 8, 2012February 29, 2016 Hokkaido Explorer 9123 Views Kansai, LCC, Travel

As soon as I got off the train at Kansai International Airport, colorful signs signaled the way to the Peach. I

Brew News Food and Drink

Beer by the book

November 8, 2012February 29, 2016 Hokkaido Explorer 7111 Views

Just after 4:00 on a Monday afternoon isn’t exactly a bustling time for a restaurant or bar, but Otaru Beer’s

TOURS and OUTDOORS Travel

Japan Travel: Celebrate the new year at Ise Shrine

November 8, 2012February 29, 2016 Hokkaido Explorer 8664 Views countdown, hatsumode, Ise, Mie, New Year's Eve, Shinto, Shrine, Travel

On a normal day, the path over the Uji Bridge, under the rows of giant trees, and up the stone